Thursday, July 30, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
SDS Install is Nearly Complete
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
SDS Install Final Stages
The new exhaust comes in four pieces, a connector pipe, a performance muffler, an extension pipe (from the muffler), and a tail pipe (over axle). It all connects up to the same rubber retainers. The main difference is that the smaller muffler is mounted under the frame in line with the rest of the exhaust.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Battery Cables Extended (Lengthened)
Friday, June 26, 2009
Final phases of the prelims coming to a close...
I still have a few more prelims -
1) shorten the heater hose line by 3-inches - which means I have to drain about a gallon or so of engine coolant, 2) lengthen the battery cables to prepare for the relocation of the battery to where the OEM airbox currently resides, and 3) change the oil and filter (AMSOIL 0-20W full 100% Synthetic). I plan to get these steps done by this weekend, then the real fun begins!
Here is a brief outline of what has to happen to complete the entire SDS install:
- Remove the battery and set the EVAP valve out of the way
- Cut out the battery box to make room for the Vortech SDS
- Remove the Airbox and air intake
- Re-locate air sensor
- Re-locate EVAP value
- Change the spark plugs with the provided NGK Iridium IX (one step cooler)
- Make cuts to the airbox location to accomdate the new battery hold-down
- Remove OEM belt and water pump pulley ( will put pulley back on after SDS mounting bracket is installed).
- Attach SDS mount to front engine block
- Attach SDS to engine mount
- Attach all air intake tubes / filter
- Add new drive belt
- Connect all vacuum lines
- Splice in all "black" box wiring
- Make connections for the Meth Boost pump (lines, wires)
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Wednesday Night at the Drag Races
So now I had to set my dial-in ET. If you don't know about drag racing, your dial-in number is what you think your best ET will be. If you can hit you dial-in combined with a quick reaction time (launch) you can expect to be side-by-side at the finish even if the other guy is quicker, as long as you don't go faster than you dial-in you win if you hit the finish line first.
With the temperature continuing to fall, I went with what I thought would be a conservative 17.85 secs. What I found out is just how much effect air temperature has on an engine. By the time my first heat came, the air temp had fallen another 8 degrees, down to 66. Needless to say, I broke-out at 17.696 (74.53 MPH). To breakout means you ran faster than your dial-in and you lose, unless both cars breakout, then the one closest to his/her dial-in wins.
My first experience at drag racing was fun and I learned a few things to boot!
I now have my run slips for my scrap/log book and, along with some baseline dyno pulls, can really begin to concentrate on the SDS install:)
Monday, June 22, 2009
Gauges, A Must Have for a Supercharged Engine
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Map Sensor (Blue) and Fuel Control Install
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Pre-liminary Work
Friday, June 19, 2009
It’s Here, It’s Here – the SDS is here!
Well I received the Supercharger kit today, and at first glance it does appear a bit daunting, but heck, it isn't fun if it isn't a challenge, right?!
Anyway, the instructions on the CD seem pretty straight-forward and I believe I have the skills (shucks, I built a Chevy small block 350 from the bottom on up and it ran like a charm in my '70 Chevelle SS).
There are a few things I can get done before I tackle the big parts, like pre-installing (mounting) the Controller module and the Boost Map module inside the cockpit and, oh yeah, the AEM boost gauge as well. I might even cut and splice the battery leads beforehand to get that out of the way. I already gapped the NGK Iridium IX spark plugs that came with the kit at RIPPMODS recommended .032 " (OEM spec is .050").
Also will be changing the oil and filter per recommendation, I plan on using Royal Purple 5W-20 (OEM spec), although I considered the Castrol Edge 5W-30 weight, being California, summer time too...also picked up a K&N performance oil filter.
In any case, I can't start right away since I still need to get a baseline benchmark of my stock setup so I will know what kind of performance gains were really talking here? I have the Palmer performance PCMSCAN software and ELM OBD-II Interface working now, just need time to record some data.
I will keep you posted with pics and everything...
First Major Mod - SDS
My first mod will bolt on 100+ hp… the RIPPMODS Supercharged Delivery System or SDS for short:
I will be doing the installation myself (and the aid of the techs from Rippmods.com)
The link for this kit is: JK SDS from RIPPMODS
Will be posting my progress and pictures too!
Introduction
Welcome to my blog on my Jeep JK (2009) modifications. Stay tuned to some major (and minor) mods that will blow your socks off….